Jace Nini pitches, hits Refuel past Gulf Coast Bank

Despite tallying just three hits through seven innings, Shaw-based Refuel found its stroke at the plate in the eighth inning to come from behind and down Chalmette-based Gulf Coast Bank 5-2 in an American Legion Second District East playoff matchup played at Noel Suarez Stadium in Chalmette.

Trailing 2-1 headed into the bottom of the eighth inning, Brandon Guillot led off the frame with a walk followed by back-to-back singles by Jace Nini and Matt Keller to load the bases. Gulf Coast Bank reliever Gabe Robin plunked Kyle Flettrich to send the tying run home.

Consecutive RBI singles then an RBI groundout by Caiden Reid gave Refuel its final margin of victory. The Shaw-based squad pounded out four hits in the decisive frame.

“We were just looking to hit anything,” said Nini, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI while also picking up the win as the starting pitcher. “It didn’t really matter how we got on base as long as we scored runs to try and take the lead.”

Guillot pitched a clean ninth inning to preserve the victory. Nini went eight innings and gave up two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Refuel took the early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Nini plated Guillot who reached base on a hit by pitch.

Gulf Coast Bank starter Kobe Cazes shut down Refuel for much of the frame after that first frame. Cazes went 6 2/3 innings, giving up one run on three hits with two strikeouts and five walks.

“We were not very patient at the plate today,” Refuel Coach Kirk Bullinger said. “There were a lot of hitters’ counts. We were swinging at the pitcher’s pitch rather than our own pitch. (Cazes) took advantage of that and had us on our heels pretty much all day.”

The Chalmette-based squad took a 2-1 lead on three straight singles to load the bases. Nini hit Timmy Alphonso to bring home a run then Hunter Bell chased Randy Asevado home on a single to right field.

Malik Blaise went 2-for-3 with a double and Blake Walker went 2-for-4 with a double for Gulf Coast Bank.

With the win, Refuel is guaranteed a spot in the Southeast Louisiana Regional. A win on Monday against the winner of Deanie’s Seafood and Gulf Coast Bank would secure a No. 1 seed for Refuel. Deanie’s and Gulf Coast Bank will play at 4 p.m. and the winner will play Refuel at 7 p.m. at Chalmette.